Epilepsy Talk
Epilepsy and energy drinks — think before you drink!
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It feels good and it tastes good, it’s easy to drink and it gives you that extra jolt of energy. But is it really worth it?
Think of the death of 18-year-old Irish athlete, Ross Cooney, who died within hours after playing a basketball game and consuming four cans of “Red Bull”.
12 things your doctor won’t tell you…
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Modern medicine can do miraculous things — but every test and treatment has its downside.
And your doctor may not disclose the dangers without prompting, a recent survey finds.
Many neurologists unaware of AED safety risks
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A study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that a fifth of U.S. neurologists appear unaware of serious drug safety risks associated with various anti-epilepsy drugs, potentially jeopardizing the health of patients who could be just as effectively treated with safer alternative medications.
Tags: AED risks withheld, counseling, dangers, poor communication, safer alternative drugs
More people are smoking marijuana than cigarettes!
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Surprised?
With the legalization of smoking cannabis both for medical and recreational use, it’s clear marijuana’s time has come.
The jury is no longer out. States have been weighing in. And the answer has been a resounding : “Yes”.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have tried marijuana. A massive shift that took place over just a few years.
The Trouble with AEDs…
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At the very best, finding the right anti-epilepsy drug is a crap shoot. There’s always the hope that this one will do it.
Or maybe adjunct therapy will work. Or, sigh, the side-effects derail you and you’re on to the next.
Is asking for seizure control too much to ask?
Tags: AEDS, anti-epilepsy drugs, benefits, dangers, seizures, side-effects
Can you get seizures after vaping?
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Reports of people who have seizures after vaping have raised serious questions about the safety of electronic cigarettes, which have grown in popularity in recent years.
Dilantin – What People Are Saying…
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When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy back in 1969, the availability of AEDs was limited.
Phenobarbital or Dilantin.
Pick your poison.
I chose Dilantin. It was not a pretty picture.
I was a walking zombie, constantly keeling over, and the final insult was when I went into a coma because of toxic blood levels. (No brain, no pain?)
But many have their own serious tales to tell. Here are some of their experiences. And some advice…
Epilepsy and Birth Control
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Figuring out birth control with epilepsy meds can be a challenge at best.
How will your AEDs affect your birth control? Will your birth control lessen the effectiveness of your meds?
Tags: birth control, birth control pills, complications, dangers, implant, IUD, mini pills, non hormonal, safety, seizures, side effects, skin patches, vaginal ring
BEWARE! AED Safety Risks Withheld
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A study by Johns Hopkins researchers shows that a fifth of U.S. neurologists appear unaware of serious drug safety risks associated with various anti-epilepsy drugs, potentially jeopardizing the health of patients who could be just as effectively treated with safer alternative medications.
The findings suggest that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration needs a better way to communicate information to specialists about newly discovered safety risks, the researchers say, since the warnings are in many cases not getting through to doctors making important prescribing decisions.
Increased Birth Defect Risks in Two FDA-Approved Epilepsy Medications
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Two epilepsy drugs – Lamictal and Keppra – which are currently listed in category C may be dangerous to a fetus and should be listed in category D, according to new data. The difference between the categories is that D shows evidence of risk, but the benefits outweigh the risks…
Tags: Birth Defects, dangers, Epilepsy, Keppra, Lamictal, pregnancy
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